How to Get a Driver Abstract in Ontario

1

Get a driver abstract as part of a job application. Applicant and employers can request a 3-year driver record for the purpose of checking the applicant's driving history. This is a snapshot of the last 3 years of the applicant's driving record. It provides information about accidents, tickets, suspensions, demerit points and suspensions. This is the most frequently request type, and can either be uncertified or certified (stamped by the Ministry of Transportation). The uncertified version is usually sufficient for employment purposes.

3-year abstracts also shows all of the information present on the driver's licence and the licence status.[1]

2

Obtain an abstract for your insurance provider. When you are applying for or updating your car insurance, your insurance provider may request either a driver's licence history, a 5-year uncertified driver's record, or a complete driver's record. The driver's licence history and 5-year record include G1, G2, and G dates (if appropriate), previous addresses, replacements, and renewals. A version without the previous addresses is also available. The driver's licence history is available only to the driver, law enforcement and certain government agencies.

The complete driver's record includes more detail about violations, tickets, suspensions, and other infractions.[2]

3

Become qualified to drive outside

of Ontario. You may need several different documents to apply to drive outside of Ontario. For example, you may need a 5-year certified driver's record. It contains Criminal Code of Canada convictions, suspensions and reinstatements for the past 5 years, Highway Traffic Act convictions and suspensions for the past 3 years, and demerit point information for the past 3 years. It is available only to the driver or law enforcement. You may also need a driver confirmation letter, which shows the date your licence was issued, your licence expiry date, and infractions/suspensions. This letter is also used if you are moving to another province.[3]

4

Order an abstract for court use. If you are in court for a traffic infraction, you will need an extended driver record. It contains Highway Traffic Act convictions and suspensions for the past 3 years and all Criminal Code of Canada convictions, suspensions and reinstatement's. It is available only to the driver or law enforcement. You may also need a driver's licence history to confirm your address or accident report to use as evidence (if you are the defendant).[4]

5

Confirm that your licence is valid. You can check if your licence is valid by ordering a driver's licence check. This simply confirms whether or not your licence has expired or been suspended.[5]